Buried Truths

Isabella strode into her office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The sound held a different weight now, each step carrying the echo of Blackwood's words. She moved to the window, but her reflection betrayed the slight smile playing at her lips.

Liam closed the door behind them, catching that smile before she schooled her features into something more controlled.

"How did he know?" she asked quietly, not turning around. "Richard Blackwood, of all people." There was something almost pleased in her tone, despite her attempt to hide it.

"Isabella—"

"No." She spun to face him, her eyes bright with an intensity that made him pause. "I want to know. The way my staff looks at me lately, the whispers..."